Game Recognize Game

41. The Name of Change

---- Nikko a.k.a. Nickolas Rivorie ----

"So you mean to tell me this David guy, whose brother was killed by whoever killed my cousin, is some old ass pimp?"

I had been trying to wrap my head around what Ebony was telling me. Only a few moments ago she had passed out, and now she's pacing around the room. She looks as if she's seen a ghost.

"Yes, and his name is Davey! I know him from when i was younger, when we first moved to the United States! How is he here? Why is he even still alive? He's the man that killed and abused my mother!" Ebony began to make me nervous the way she was shaking.

"Calm down," I started. "I'll just go down there and handle it. You don't have to be scared," I spoke getting up from my chair. I went to the night stand and pulled out my pistol, and made sure i had bullets in the chamber.

"No," Ebony and my grandmother scream! My grandma walks over snatching the gun from my hand. "No hemos visto suficiente muerte? Estamos en el funeral de tu primo, por el amor de Dios," my grandma rambled angrily. (Have we not seen enough death? we are at your cousins funeral, for gods sake.)

"I agree with your abuela Nikko," Ebony, walked over grabbing my arm. "This isn't the place nor is it your battle. Davey probably wouldn't even recognize me. He killed my mother but there's no way i can prove it. And nothing i can do at this time. We're here for your cousin... to send him off in peace. I feel bad enough about causing this much trouble," she spoke with certainty though her face showed a different emotion. That was just like Ebony, putting others before herself. I could see that, this was a part of her past she was still horrified of, but i promised i wouldn't let anyone hurt her or my child. So, David or Davey, had to go. Whether he moved back to Georgia where his business was before him and Wolfe tried to expand, or if I had to get rid of him myself, Ebony would never have to worry about him again.

I took the gun back from my abuela and then look between Ebony and my abuela. If I went gunning for him right now, it'd just cause more problems. I wanted to catch him off guard. I sighed heavily and put the gun back where it belonged. "I'll catch Davey another day," I spoke through tight lips. 

My grandmother grumbled and walked out of the room without another glance back. I knew she hated this life. She had grown tired of it; the hospitals, the blood, the death. She had watched her man and her own children struggle in this game time and time again.

I looked at Ebony, who was rubbing her belly with hurt written across her face. 

"I've been thinking...," I started, causing her to look up. 

"The name Carlos always had a nice ring to it," I said.

"Well, what about Nickolas? Isn't it a family name," she questioned?

"No it's a curse," I spoke honestly. I closed the space between us and put my hands on my son in his mother's belly. His little kicks pushed against my hand.

"Carlos Rivorie... It's handsome," She smiled to herself after saying the name aloud. "Carlos Alberto Rivorie," Ebony said, pulling the whole name together. 

It felt like my face would break from the smile that grew across my lips. "Sounds like a true gentleman. The name of change," I continued smiling.  

"Let's get back. I've kept you away long enough," Ebony said grabbing my hand. I scoffed. 

"There isn't a long enough with my family," I disagreed.

>>>>> Ebony Fenty <<<<<<

I sat in bed, working on my breathing, when Nikko came in at midnight. I smelled his cologne before i saw his figure in the doorway, He always smelled so good. He had taken a shower before leaving to meet with his family. He had changed into an all gray Polo sweat suit. 

"Hey," i smile. 

"Hey," he greets me back. "This what you been doing since i left," he jokes. 

"Working on my breathing. Want to make sure there aren't any problems," I say rubbing my Carlos bump. He chuckles at me and drops his keys on the nightstand. 

"Breathing isn't your problem. You're just a magnet for trouble," he kids. I don't know why it hit a soft spot. Maybe because he was right. I hadn't heard from Kollins recently, but then i bump into a huge blast from my past. It seemed like everything for me always went astray. 

"Yeah...," I sigh coming off sadder than i wanted.

"I was joking," Nikko says, plopping on the bed next to me.

"I know... it's just the truth. Trouble should be my middle name," I groan. Before i can control it, tears begin to fall from my eyes. 

"Ebony, " Nikko starts, placing a hand on my thigh.

"It's okay," i sniffle, "I know you were joking. It's just that...I wish things can always be good... like when I'm with you. Your one of the few good things in my life," I speak honestly.

"Well, I'm not going anywhere," Nikko says digging in his pocket and pulling out a velvet jewelry box. 

I look at him confused for a second. He wipes the tears from my eyes and places the box in my lap. I hesitate to open it. "You know i don't care for expensive gifts," I remind him still not opening the box. 

"Well how about a sentimental one," he opens the box for me, and puts it back in my lap. Inside was a heart shaped necklace with the word 'promise' engraved in the back and diamonds shaping the heart.

"Nikko," i say softly.

"I promise that your heart and your mind, body and soul are safe with me. I didn't want to get you a ring until after the baby is born, so this is my promise. I promise you have my heart, and no one... no one can mess with my heart," he says as he stands to place it around my neck. I try to contain the smile, but to no avail.

"Thank you," i smile. With his help i stand and wrap my arms around his neck. 

He leans down to kiss my lips and i felt me whole body melting into his. Until his cell phone rang in his pocket and we had to pull back from one another. 

"Hello," Nikko answers, as i stand in one of his arms admiring the gift he got me. It really touches my heart knowing that i have someone who loves me. Someone who wants me safe and sound. I haven't felt this kind of love in so long. I reach up and kiss his neck but his body has gone stiff.

"Aight. I'm on my way," Nikko hangs up in a huff.

"What's going on?" I ask before i can catch myself.

"James is back," he says.

I sigh. I knew it wasn't the last we'd heard of him.  James being back means, trouble. And i'm the magnet for it. 

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So very sorry about the long wait. Life has been hell, but I'm fighting everyday to get back to what makes me happy. Anyway i hope you guys enjoy this chapter, it's a little short but has some drama and emotion. How do you guys feel Ebony and Nikko are coming along? What do you think will happen with Davey? James is back!? Let me know how y'all feel about this chapter and hopefully I'll be updating soon since this book is coming to a close. #MuchLove and thank you all for sticking with me and for the support. Picture of the necklace at the top.